Los Angeles AngelsManager Joe Maddon ordered an intentional walk to keep the bases loaded in Friday’s fourth inning against the Tigers. Texas RangersThis was a mistake that led to a rapid backlash.
Maddon came to the rescue, with the Angels trailing by 3-2 in Arlington, Texas. Austin WarrenBefore granting Rangers shortstop Corey SeagerFree base Charlie CulbersonTexas is now leading by two runs with a score of 3rd.
The next two at-bats saw a sacrifice fly followed by a balk, which brought in two more runs and put L.A. into a four-run hole. Before an inning-ending foulout, L.A. had already reached the end of the inning.
The Angels rallied for victory 9-6.
According to research by ESPN Stats & Information, Maddon’s decision marked just the third time in the past 70 years that a player was intentionally walked with the bases loaded. He was also the manager at the time — it was 2008, when this happened. Tampa Bay RaysGrant Balfour reliever issued a Walk to Josh Hamilton The Arizona DiamondbacksIntentionally walked Barry Bonds with bases loaded in 1998.
Both of the previous bases-loaded intentional walks occurred with two outs during the ninth inning. When Bonds was walked by the Diamondbacks, they led by two runs. Hamilton was walked by the Rays.